The Washington critic., 1887-09-10
little unfortunate, but Mr.. Lincoln was

little unfortunate, but Mr.. Lincoln was
more amused than offended by II.
Turning to Mr.. Hunter he said: "On the
question OF history must refer you to Mr..
don't pretend to be; but have tolerably
distinct recollection, in the case you refer
to, that Charles lost his head, aud have no
head to spare"
Mr.. Hunter, during the same conference,
in speaking OF emancipation, remarked that
the slaves had always been accustomed to
work on compulsion, under an overseer;
denly Get free, precipitate themselves and
the whole social fabric OF the South into ir-
retrievable ruin. In that case neither the
whites nor the blacks would work. They
would all starve together.
''RooT Hod on dr."
To this Mr.. Lincoln replied: "Mr Hun
ter, you ought to know a great deal more
about this matter than l do, for you have
always lived under the slave system. But
the way you state the case reminds me OF
On Illinois farmer who was not over-fond
Of work, but wa, an adept in shrklng. To
this end he conceived brilliant scheme OF
hog culture. Having a good farm, he
bought large herd OF swine. He planted
an immense field in potatoes, with the view
OF turning the whole herd into 1t late In
the fall, supposing they would be able to
provide for themselves during the winter.
One day his scheme was discussed between
himself and neighbOr, who asked him how
the thing would work when the ground was
frozen one or two feet deep. He had not
thought OF that contingency, and seemed
perplexed over 1t. At length he answered,
swell, II will be leetle hard on their
snouts, reckon; but them shoats will have
to root hog or die"
"And so," concluded Mr.. Lincoln, ain
the dire contingency you name, whites and
blacks alike will have to look out for
Themselves; aud have an abiding faith
that they will 20 about II In fashion that
will undeceive you In very agreeable
way"
ABOUT THE SIZE OF 1T.
During the came conference, In response
to certain remarks by the Confederate Com
missioners requiring explicit contradiction,
Hr. Lincoln animsdverted with some sever
ity upon the conduct OF the rebel leaders,
| and closed with the statement that they
| had plainly forfeited all right to Immunity
from punishment for the highest crime
| known to the law. Being positive and uu-
equivocsl IN stating hi. views concerning
| individual treason, his words seemed to fall
upon the Commissioners with ominous i'm
| port There was pause, during which MIR.
Hunter regarded the speaker with u steady,
searching look. At length, carefully meas.
uring his own words, MI. Hunter said,
"Then, Mr.. President, II we understand you
correctly, you think that we of the Confed-
eracy have committed treason; that we are
traitors to your Government; that we have
forfeited our rights, and are proper subjects
for the hsLgman. Is not that about what
your words lmplyr
"Yes," said Mr.. Lincoln, "you have
stated the proposition better than / did
That is about the size Of II "
There was another pause, and painful
one, after which MIR. Hunter, with pleas
ant smile, replied, swell, Mr.. Lincoln, WI
have about concluded that we will not be
hanged as long as you are Presldent-if we
behave ourselves"
This may possibly be misunderstood by
come; but there 10 here as high complt
ment rs could have been paid to Mr.. Lin
coln-s trust in his magnanimity and good
| ness of heart